I'm a newbie here, so hopefully its not too annoying for you...

I'm having an issue changing my oil..The oil plug seems either cross-threaded or stripped. What are my options in this case? I have tried using the screwdriver pry while turning technique, as well as other pull and turn methods as well.
I considered even attempting to drill it out, but I dont want to be dead in the driveway. I did purchase a new Sureflow plug from Fram which will be installed as soon as this old one can come out(unless the pan threads are stripped too, in which case I will try to find a replacement oil pan).

I have a 96 3.4L V6 with 140K and still tickin... I havent gotten the lingo yet to call it a 5ZE or whatever since I cant remember the numbers and letters yet. :-)

Thanks in advance.
Joel

 

if it's not totally circular try using one of those gator girp sockets

 

Have you tried grabbing the sides of the bolt with a vice grip and pulling while turning? If there is room, another method is to use one of the wedge type bearing splitters to put lifting pressure under the head of the bolt while turning it.

 

From other peoples experience, what are the chances that the oil pan threads themselves are stripped? If it is a fairly low chance of that, then I would be willing to drill and destroy this original crap plug since I have the new one.
Thanks again. Joel

 

wolfpack,

if you're sure that the threads are beyond repair, then you'll probably need to re-tap it and use a bigger drain plug ---if its as bad as you say it is.

unless someone here knows the thread pitch and length of the drain plug, i'd just call your local dealership and ask them. buy the appropriate sized (bigger) tap and t-tap holder with some tapping oil. oh and of course, you'll have to look for a bigger oil plug and washer.

only then would i remove your current drain plug. you might want to pb blaster it the night before and then use a vice grip plier for a good grip on the bolt and then try to take it off.

my guess is that the bolt threads are fine and that the plug was probably air racheted on by some dolt at the dealership (err...hopefully it wasn't you...heheh). in that case, PB blaster it, buy a new drain plug and plug gasket, remove the existing DP w/ vice grip pliers and this time, dont overtorque the DP.

bob

 

does anyone know the thread pitch and size of the drain plug?